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enBayerns Benatia to sit out Mainz clashBayern Munich will be without Mehdi Benatia when they face Mainz on Friday after the defender sustained a groin injury against Freiburg.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-sit-out-mainz-clash
TheMorocco international was replaced by Jerome Boateng late in the first half of the 2-0 Bundesliga victory over Mainz at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern's official Twitter account confirmed Benatia will miss the clash with Mainz.
The Bavarian club will also assess the fitness of striker RobertLewandowski and midfielder Xabi Alonso after they were also withdrawn during Tuesday's victory.
Lewandowski came off at half-time following a strong challenge and Alonso's game was cut short at the hour-mark, so they will be monitored ahead of the Bundesliga champions' final match before the winter break.
Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller were on target asBayern stretched their unbeaten run to 20 Bundesliga game to go eight points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg.
Coach Pep Guardiola believes the Bundesliga champions should have won by a more emphatic margin and criticised Freiburg's negative approach.
He said: "I'm very pleased. Freiburg did very well defensively today but we were excellent in attack.
"We had 13 clear-cut chances and their keeper made some very good saves.
"Great credit to my players and now we need to take the final step in Mainz."
news_articleTue, 16 Dec 2014 23:05:06 +0000306411 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBayerns Benatia sees no crisis at RomaFormer Roma defender Mehdi Benatia sees no crisis at the Italian club despite a run of just two wins in their last eight games.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-sees-no-crisis-roma
Roma suffered a second successive UEFA Champions Leaguedefeat at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with Franck Ribery and Mario Gotze on target either side of half-time.
Yet Benatia, whose Bayern side ran out 7-1 victors in the reverse fixture, believes his old club can still qualify from Group E ahead of CSKA Moscow and Manchester City.
With two rounds of games to play, Roma are level on points with CSKA and two ahead of English champions City.
Benatia told Sky Sport Italia: "They're still in the hunt, I don't see where this ‘crisis’ is. They lost to Bayern but I don't see problems.
"Roma are strong, and always will be."
Despite theirpoor run of form, Rudi Garcia's side remain second in Serie A, three points behind reigning championsJuventus, and have their Champions League fate in their own hands.
Benatia added:"Are Roma in trouble?"I can't repeat what I said to my former team-mates, and certainly they've had easier times.
"But I know the team, and I know the group and the players -they have character, the desire to win, to do well."
news_articleThu, 06 Nov 2014 12:33:38 +0000282202 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenatia: German media have judged me too soonMehdi Benatia hit back at the German media after Bayern Munich hammered his former club Roma on his return to Stadio Olimpico.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-media-judged-me-too-soon
The Morocco international was given a rough ride from Roma fans duringBayern'ssensational 7-1 UEFA Champions League Group Evictory on Tuesday.
Benatia spent just one season with the Eternal City club before making a big-money move to the Bundesliga champions in August.
The 27-year-old was more concerned about proving a point to his critics than the reaction of Roma fans after the Bavarian giants' resounding win.
"I felt nothing in particular in this match,"he said
"We showed that we are a great team and I took the opportunity to send a message to the German media, who should wait before judging me.
"The whistles are part of the game and I was expecting them.But I still love Rome, I have many friends here."
news_articleWed, 22 Oct 2014 08:38:39 +0000272945 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comRoma president lambasts Bayerns BenatiaRoma president James Pallotta has slammed Mehdi Benatia, accusing him of lying about wanting to remain with the Serie A club.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/roma-chief-lambasts-benatia
Benatia completed his switch from Roma to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for areported €26 million last month.
The Morocco international revealed earlier on Monday that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were also interested in signing him, but insisted his preference was to remain at Stadio Olimpico.
Benatia stated that was not an option, though, as Romawanted to cash in on him.
However, Pallotta has hit back at those claims with a scathing criticism of the player's behaviour, describing him as a "poison" on the Roma dressing room.
Pallotta went on to say a verbal deal had been struck over a new contract, and that Benatia had decided to lie to him, coach Rudi Garcia and his team-mates.
"Mehdi Benatia has obviously continued with his pattern of outright fabrications over the last couple of months," Palotta said in a statement released on Roma's official website.
"We had a verbal agreement on compensation and a raise back in July in Boston.He personally said to me that he was happy after I told him flat out with no exceptions that we wanted him to stay.
"Over the following month he lied about wanting to stay and about the details of his compensation to both Rudi Garcia and his team-mates.
"Lying to me was one thing which I can somewhat handle. Lying to Rudi Garcia and his team-mates was completely unacceptable to me.
"I told [sporting director]Walter Sabatini he was becoming a poison and I wanted him gone, and Rudi and Walter agreed.
"It wasn't about the money; it was about having character in our locker room. We are in a very sound financial position.
"As owners of Roma, we make difficult decisions all the time. As a fan of Roma, I am deeply disappointed that one of our players could act this way."
news_articleMon, 08 Sep 2014 18:25:35 +0000248018 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenatia: Real, Barca and Man City wanted meMehdi Benatia has claimed that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City wanted to sign him - but he is happy at Bayern Munich.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/real-barca-and-man-city-wanted-me-benatia
The Morocco defender signed for Bayern for a reported €26 million fee last month from Roma.
The 27-year-old was said to be the subject of widespread interest and he has now revealed that several of Europe's elite clubs were chasing his services.
Benatia also said he wanted initially to stay at Roma, but that now he had made the move, he was happy with his decision to join the German champions.
"Manchester City and Chelsea wanted me, while there were also approaches from Real Madrid and Barcelona," Benatia is quoted as saying in Kicker.
"I discussed my future with Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini.
"He told me that the club wanted to hold on to me, but that they needed the money from a sale. That annoyed me, because I initially wanted to stay put.
"But let it be clear, I was happy to join Bayern Munich. I like Munich -even if it's a bit cold here."
Benatia will face his old team-mates when Bayern visit Roma in the UEFA Champions League next month.
news_articleMon, 08 Sep 2014 15:43:15 +0000247954 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenatia excited to face former club RomaBayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia is excited at the prospect of facing former club Roma in the UEFA Champions League.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-excited-face-roma
The two were pitted against each other in Thursday's draw in Monaco, with Manchester City and CSKA Moscow completing a tough-looking Group E.
Benatiasealeda move from theStadio Olimpicoto the Bundesliga champions on Tuesday but will not have to wait long to meet his old team-mates on the field again.
"I was really hoping to come up against AS Roma and see some of my old friends," he said.
Bayern faced both City and CSKA in last year's poolphase and qualified top of the pile with five wins from six games, but Germanystriker Thomas Muller is expecting a tough test.
"We know most of our opponents from last year. It will be a very demanding group," the World Cup winner said.
Matthias Sammer, sporting director at the five-time European champions, added: "It's a very attractive and very difficult group, but it's the right kind of challenge for us."
Pep Guardiola's men reached the semi-finals last season but were humbled by eventual winners Real Madrid, losing 5-0 on aggregate to Carlo Ancelotti'sside.
news_articleThu, 28 Aug 2014 20:41:26 +0000240920 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comManolas: Im the future, Benatias the pastKostas Manolas has little doubt that he can fill the void left by Mehdi Benatias departure from Roma.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/im-future-benatias-past-manolas
On a busy day for the Italian giants, Benatia completed a move to Bayern Munich on TuesdayasManolas arrivedfrom Olympiacos.
Manolas, though, has backed himself to quickly banish memories of his predecessor.
He said: "Benatia is a brilliant player. But he's the past; I'm the present."
Manolas also revealed that several other clubs - including Serie A champions Juventus - had been interested in securing his services, adding: "I had offers from several big clubs, including Juve. But it was my decision to come here to Roma.
"I wanted to come to Roma. Lots of people told me good things. Their advice and my decision is what brought me here."
In the end, it was Roma's "big goals" that persuaded Manolas to choose them.
The Greek revealed: "The club has big goals. I want to win the Scudetto, as does the whole squad. We can also go far in the Champions League.
"I know the club has great expectations and I feel up to it. I will work hard so I don't let the club down."
news_articleWed, 27 Aug 2014 14:14:34 +0000239973 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBayern complete deal for Romas BenatiaBayern Munich have completed the signing of Roma defender Mehdi Benatia on an five-year contract.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bayern-complete-benatia-swoop
The Bundesliga champions had been heavily linked with centre-back Benatiaafter Javi Martinez suffered a serious knee injury in their DFL Supercup defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
And Bayern announced on Wednesday that the 27-year-oldMorocco international has put pen to paper on a long-term deal at the Allianz Arena after they agreed a fee thought to be in the region of €30 million with Roma.
Speculation over Benatia's future had been rife throughout the transfer window, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all rumoured to be interested in him.
However, Bayern's need for another defensive option following Martinez's injury - which is expected to keep him out for the majority of the season - has led to him moving to Bavaria.
Benatia joined Roma from Udinese in July last year and enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Italian capital, making 33 Serie A appearances as Rudi Garcia's side finished second behind Juventus.
news_articleTue, 26 Aug 2014 15:38:47 +0000239337 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comZanzi determined to keep Benatia at RomaRoma chief executive Italo Zanzi has reiterated the clubs desire to keep hold of defender Mehdi Benatia amid interest from across Europe.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/zanzi-determined-keep-benatia
The Morocco centre-back has been linked with a number of top European clubs in recent weeks, includingManchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
Bayern's interest has reportedly stepped up after Javi Martinez suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the DFL Supercup defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
But, despite the apparent clamour for Benatia's services, Zanzi insistsRoma do not intend to sell the 27-year-old.
"Mehdi is our player. According to some media sources he had already been sold, but instead he is training with us in a very professional manner," Zanzi told Corriere dello Sport.
“"It's a shame about all these rumours. He is a great person and is behaving in the best possible way.
"The transfer market is dynamic, as until September 1 we will evaluate every opportunity and ensure we are ready."
Benatia joined Roma from Udinese in July 2013 and scored five goals in 37 appearances as Rudi Garcia's men finished second in Serie A.
news_articleSun, 17 Aug 2014 12:34:16 +0000233079 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comGarcia: Benatia and Ljajic are going nowhereRoma coach Rudi Garcia has ruled out selling sought-after centre-back Mehdi Benatia and forward Adem Ljajic.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/garcia-benatia-and-ljajic-going-nowhere
Morocco international Benatia has been linked with Manchester City, Chelsea and several other clubs on the back of an impressive first season at Roma following his move from Udinese.
The 27-year-old is reported to be unsettled, but Garcia has no intention of allowing him to leave and revealed he will play in a pre-season friendly against Liverpool at Fenway Park in Bostonon Wednesday.
"Mehdi is under contract and will play with Roma this season," he said on Tuesday.
"Fortunately the president manages to speak to all the players and yesterday he talked to everyone.
"Tomorrow Benatia will play against Liverpool."
Serbia internationalLjajic has also been the subject of transfer speculation ahead of the new season, particularly following the arrival ofJuan Iturbe fromVerona last week.
Garcia has also played down talk ofLjajicdepartingas the Frenchmanattempts to build on an impressive first season at the helm.
"For me the primary transfer strategy is to keep our most important players and Adem is one of them," Garcia said. "He takes a lot of responsibility on his shoulders and I like that.
"We have to be wary of not putting too much pressure on Iturbe. He can improve and will be important in attack, but it'll take a while before we see him at his best in our system."
Roma finished second in Serie A last season, achieving their highest top-flight points tally of 85.
news_articleTue, 22 Jul 2014 17:27:35 +0000216810 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comIn-demand Benatia valued at €61m by RomaRomas sporting director Walter Sabatini says Mehdi Benatias suitors must pay 61 million to sign the defender.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-given-eu61m-price-tag
The 27-year-old Morocco international has been a reported target for Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks after an impressive debut season with Roma.
Benatia played 37 times in all competitions as Rudi Garcia's men finished second in Serie A and reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.
And amid interest from high-profile clubs, Sabatini has slapped what would be a world-record price-tag for a defender on the former Udinese man.
"Benatia is a guy with sound principles - he didn't want to take a step away from Roma fans or his team-mates," Sabatini explained.
"He has been completely coherent, he's never played for himself, always with and for the team.
"Personally I think €30m is the value of Benatia's weak foot. If Benatia's weak foot is worth €30m then the total price would be €61m.
"Benatia is not for sale, unless someone comes to us with an offer of €61m."
Roma confirmed on Friday that coach Rudi Garcia had agreed a new deal that will keep him under contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2018.
With the Frenchman's future secured, Sabtini is keen to ensure they are in the title mix-up again next season while also being able to handle UEFA Champions League football.
Specifically, Verona's Juan Manuel Iturbe is one target the club has in mind, despite the Uruguayan ahving only signed a permanent deal at the Bentegodi last week.
"We'll add to our roster with our European campaign in mind. We need two for each position, and three in some cases," Sabatini added.
"Garcia's task - coaching Roma - is a very difficult one. The club wants to help him with it as best we can.
"I can say this now: Roma will challenge for the title next season. This team deserves it.
"We're looking at Iturbe, as we are lots of talented players. We're always interested in good players.
"We want to be competitive but we'll do it without making financial choices that could have negative consequences on our future."
news_articleSat, 31 May 2014 11:22:47 +0000183524 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenatia happy but not ruling out Roma exitRoma defender Mehdi Benatia insists he is happy at the club but has not ruled out a departure amid speculation over his future.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-not-ruling-out-roma-exit
Benatia joined the Eternal city from Udinese in July last year and played a key role as they finished second behind Juventus in Serie A.
The 27-year-old's performances have led to rumours linking him with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City all said to be interested in his services.
Morocco centre-back Benatia is enjoying life in the Italian capital and has spoken with the club about extending his contract, however, the former Marseille man refused to dismiss suggestions of a potential transfer.
"I am happy in Rome. There remain four years on my contract," Benatia toldKooorama.
"I have spoken with the directors about an extension, which I am uncertain will go through, as we are not entirely in agreement.
"I feel good here with the coach and with the players
"Then, I am 27-years-old and I have reached an age where big offers from great clubs causes you to think. Clubs like Barca, City, Bayern.
"These are clubs who any player on the planet would dream of.
"I am currently with the Moroccan national team and my agent is responsible for meeting with clubs.
"I believe that very soon we will know more."
news_articleFri, 23 May 2014 11:51:18 +0000178515 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenatia future to be discussed soonIn-demand Roma defender Mehdi Benatia will discuss his future with the club soon, according to his agent.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-future-be-discussed-soon
The Moroccan has been an almost constant figure in Rudi Garcia's team this season, prompting some to link him with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season.
However, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United reportedly circling, the player's agent insists his future will be addressed in the near future.
"The leaders at Roma are aware of the fact that other big clubs are interested in Mehdi," Moussa Sissoko told Le 10 Sport.
"We'll have a meeting with the club soon and we'll see what happens from there.
"At the moment though, all I will say is that the lad feels very good in Rome."
Benatia has made 30 league starts for Roma since signing from Udinese in the close season, scoring five goals.
news_articleMon, 07 Apr 2014 12:40:08 +0000150379 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHow Roma went from slapstick defending to one of the fiercest back-lines in EuropeAdam Digby praises the Giallorossi back-line, who have shipped just 17 league goals so far this season...Adam Digbyhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-roma-went-slapstick-defending-one-fiercest-back-lines-europe
When it comes to AS Roma, there have been many surprises during the current season. From their opening salvo of a ten-match winning streak, the Giallorossi have provided 2012 and 2013 champions Juventus with the sternest test of their most recent period of dominance. Coming as they did from a woeful 2012-13, which ended with a seventh place finish and a Coppa Italia final defeat to bitter rivals Lazio, the transformation under Rudi Garcia defies belief.
Change was clearly needed, and the club took the bold decision to sacrifice its two most promising players, collecting €65 million from the sales of South American duo Erik Lamela (to Tottenham Hotspur) and Marquinhos (to Paris Saint-Germain). While fans worried about the club mortgaging its future, Sporting Director Walter Sabatini completely rebuilt the squad, adding many of the players responsible for the upturn in fortune. While the continued excellence of 37-year-old talisman Francesco Totti has clearly been a major factor, the signing of Gervinho has surpassed the expectations of even the most ardent supporter.
The Ivorian has registered six goals and nine assists in a campaign that has seen him recapture form not seen since he played under the French coach at Lille. With a midfield comprised of Kevin Strootman, Daniele De Rossi and Miralem Pjanic, Roma have become a devastating attacking force, leading Serie A in terms of both possession (59.3%) and pass completion rate (86.1%). The squad is also deeper than it is given credit for, with Radja Nainggolan and Mattia Destro among those allowing for constant rotation and refreshing of the XI sent out in pursuit of victory.
Yet the most amazing improvement is in defence, precisely the area where last year’s side was most flawed. Under Zdenek Zeman – and subsequently Aurelio Andreazzoli – the capital club were abysmal at the back, conceding more goals than all but three sides, at an average of 1.5 goals per game. If Sabatini added an impressive collection of names further forward, the arrivals of Maicon, Medhi Benatia and Morgan De Sanctis were unlikely to have garnered much envy across Europe.
The Brazilian had struggled through a poor season with Manchester City, making just seven starts and looking far beyond his peak years, while the goalkeeper had retired from international duty and been released by Napoli, who sought a more reliable option between the posts. Thrown directly into the starting line-up, the trio of new arrivals joined Leandro Castán and Federico Balzaretti in a unit which looked considerably weaker on paper than last season’s incarnation.
Prevention is better than cure
Fortunately for Roma, the old cliché that football is played on grass not paper has held true, with the players coming together to form a formidable defensive presence. In those first ten games, the Giallorossi net was caused to ripple just the once – in a 3-1 victory over Parma – and they have carried that excellent early form deep into the season. With just seventeen goals conceded to date, Roma's is the second meanest defence in Europe, just behind Bayern Munich (16) and ahead of Paris Saint-Germain (18) - the trio are the only three sides to concede fewer than twenty times in the continent’s top five leagues.
They have done so firstly by denying their opponents the ball, then by pressing well to limit the number of chances De Sanctis faces. The 37-year-old has kept nineteen clean sheets, four more than any other stopper in the league, thanks largely to a defence which has allowed just 83 shots in the first thirty matches of the season.
In front of the veteran keeper, the defenders have impressed, providing excellent protection despite an early injury to Federico Balzaretti. While Dodô has filled in admirably for the Italian international at left-back, it is the form of the man on the opposite flank which is perhaps most surprising. Still only 32, he has recaptured the kind of form which made him such a devastating force for Inter, earning a recall to the Brazil squad after a two year absence. “His decision to join the Giallorossi was excellent,” Felipe Scolari said late last year, going on to add that he thought the player “has been reborn at Roma.”
Yet the form of the two full-backs pales in comparison to the towering displays seen in central defence, where the partnership of Benatia and Castan has been excellent all season. They have instantly shown the kind of understanding which often takes countless hours to forge, and one that has only grown as the campaign has developed.
With 80 games already under his belt for previous club Udinese, Benatia was – unlike other defenders Roma have bought in recent years – comfortably familiar with the demands of Italian football. Standing almost 6'4'', the 26-year-old has shown willingness to do put in the hard work required to nullify the best attacks, averaging 2.1 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and 6.3 clearances per game. He is more than just a physical presence however, showing fine distribution skills to average 49.3 passes per game with a completion rate of 88.9%.
Castan has contributed an average of 2.3 tackles and 2.2 interceptions – while completing 88.1% of his 46.4 passes per game – meaning their raw statistics are surprisingly similar, with the Moroccan’s tally of five goals perhaps making him the most eye-catching of the pair. But to see them on the field is to watch two men who fully complement one another, their pace and intelligence often covering for any errors that occur ahead of them. It has also allowed Roma to maintain a high defensive line, able to condense the field and stifle opponents in tight areas, denying them the space in which to create chances.
It is that ability, combined with the collective play of the defence, which has provided the team with the foundation on which their remarkable turnaround has been built. With a plan for an ultra modern stadium revealed just last week, their play has contributed to a feeling that this bright new era could bring genuine success to the Italian capital.
featureFri, 04 Apr 2014 16:33:49 +0000James Maw148842 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenatia plays down Maicon argumentRoma defender Mehdi Benatia has played down his argument with team-mate Maicon in Saturdays 2-0 win over Chievo.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benatia-plays-down-maicon-spat
The pair were involved in a heated exchange during the first half of Roma's victory at theStadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.
It was the only sour spot on a positive night for Rudi Garcia's men as they strengthened their grip on second place, but the Moroccan says both players have moved on from the incident.
"These things can happen during games," Benatia told Sky Sport Italia.
"Maicon was very angry and he made that clear to me in a way I did not like one little bit. We discussed it over the half-time break.
"Now everything has been cleared up between us."
news_articleSun, 23 Mar 2014 10:14:08 +0000142306 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com